Charter School Appeal Denied

By
Modupe Idowu
By
midowu@wbbjtv.com

The Jackson-Madison County School board has repeatedly denied the charter school application. Friday, the state denied it as well.

Supporters said they were disappointed but won't stop trying.

The lot cleared in east Jackson will remain empty for now.

"The city has granted us land on which the school can built," said Helen Owens, a representative of the Connections Preparatory Academy.

The gift of the land is contingent on local and state approval for the proposed charter school, which was denied Friday morning. After both the district, which has repeatedly denied the proposal, and charter school supporters argued their sides in Nashville to the State Board of Education.

"It's our feeling that this community ought to be able to have some options for the education of their children," said Owens.

State board officials said the appeal lacked clarity and was not properly organized.

"It's okay for us to go back and revise to go back and submit it again," said Owens.

Owens said supporters of Connections Preparatory Academy plan to reapply next year. She said the denial is actually a blessing in disguise.

Owens said, "If we had to open in 2012, it would really rush us to get a building ready, to get an administrator, and teachers in place. So, it's going to give us a longer time."

A longer time to fight for something she and many others believe in.

"We feel we can help make our community better. We'll make a group of children stand taller when thy walk down the streets. That's our goal," said Owens.